European Parliament Doubles Down on Damaging EU261 Revisions

Airlines for Europe (A4E), the European Regions Airline Association (ERA), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) expressed deep concern about the latest push by the European Parliament to weaken consumer choice and damage the competitiveness of the European aviation industry.

What Happened
- The European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) has voted to stick with its toughest demands in revising EU air passenger rights rules (EU261).
- This decision comes despite evidence that passengers often prioritize choice, value for money, and punctuality over additional compensation schemes.

Industry Concerns
- Airlines for Europe (A4E), the European Regions Airline Association (ERA), and IATA have jointly criticized the move, warning it will:
- Increase costs for airlines and passengers (EU261 already costs €8.1 billion annually).
- Reduce consumer choice, as airlines may cut routes or raise fares.
- Fail to address root causes of disruption like air traffic management and infrastructure bottlenecks.

Key Issues Highlighted
- No Impact Assessment: New burdens are being proposed without analyzing effects on ticket prices or route viability.
- Passenger Preferences Ignored: Surveys show travelers prefer a delayed flight over cancellations, especially in remote regions. Current compensation thresholds don’t align with operational realities.
- Operational Realities Overlooked: Rules on carry-on luggage and “extraordinary circumstances” are seen as impractical, potentially leading to delays, heavier flights, and higher emissions.

Bigger Picture
- The revisions risk undermining Europe’s aviation competitiveness at a time when the industry faces global challenges.
- Airlines argue that instead of piling on costs, policymakers should focus on clarifying rules, improving infrastructure, and keeping air travel affordable and accessible.

📌 In short: The Parliament’s stance is being framed by airlines as politically popular but economically damaging, with the potential to hurt both passengers and Europe’s aviation network.